Finals chances hang in the balance

By Todd Whelan

Enigmatic Darley were left lamenting a golden opportunity to consolidate their place in the top six, with a disappointing 14-point loss at home to Redan. You could reel off more than a handful of missing Devils on Saturday to validate the loss but the harsh reality is, they had enough ‘top end’ talent to get it done but too many skill errors would prove their undoing. A win for the Devils would have seen them a game clear inside the six. As a result, the Devils finals chances look a 50 per cent chance at best as the local derby against Bacchus Marsh (7th) on August 6 looms the premature decider. The Devils have East Point (h), Bacchus Marsh (a), Bye, and North Ballarat (h) to round out their home and away season. Hats off to Redan and a fifth win. Isaac Grant (4 goals) was named best afield along with Cooper Atchison and progressive youngsters Harry Lawson (2 goals) and Liam Farnsworth (U/17 debut). The Lions remain a very slim mathematical chance of making the finals. They would need Darley to lose their remaining three games, all while disposing of Lake Wendouree (h), Bacchus Marsh (a) and Melton South (h) comfortably themselves.  Also, the Cobras would need to (only just) beat Darley and lose to Sunbury by as much as possible. ‘Slim’ is the operative word on the Lions finals chances.

Experienced Devils defenders Darren Leonard and Matty Brett won the plaudits from coach Dan Jordan in the post match while Captain Brett Bewley (2 goals) featured yet again. Bailey Young, Ayden Tanner and youngster Mitch Gardiner (2 goals) were also acknowledged in a losing side.

The Devils will aim for an eigth win of the season this Saturday when they meet league heavyweights East Point at Darley Park in Apple 98.5FM’s Match of the Round – LIVE FROM 2PM or stream audio via apple985fm.com.au

*In a surprise coup for the club, debut (fill-in) coaching duo Jake Ancrum and Leigh Spiteri managed to drag the Darley Reserves over the line with a memorable win after the siren. The two remain undefeated from their small stay in charge. Absent Devils Reserve Grade coach Dale Murley was reported to be both ecstatic and nervous after hearing the news. The Darley Reseves are now seventh on the table, two games outside of the six.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Where was the game was won and lost?

JORDAN (Darley) – Our skill execution really cost us. Turnovers under no pressure enabled Redan to capitilise.

Rate your ‘forwards’ performance

JORDAN – (Nick) Rodda (3 goals) competed hard all day and was double teamed for the most part as their defenders held back.

Rate your ‘midfielders’ performance

JORDAN – Brett Bewley was outstanding early, Luther Baker okay and Bailey Young gave us something on a wing. Ayden Tanner competed hard in the ruck and had arguably his best game.

Rate your ‘defenders’ performance

JORDAN – Isaac Grant (Redan) was dangerous. Darren Leonard was terrific, Daniel Lalor, Zane LeHuray tick. Matty Brett was good for us too when he went back.

Overall performance

Jarrett Giampaolo (Redan) – There’s been plenty of close games that we’ve lost this year so it was really pleasing to fight one out and get a win. Two very young sides going at it and a good game of footy to watch. Consistency has been an issue for us but I thought we played well for four quarters. Reward for effort.

FINAL SCORES

Darley – 2.0-12, 5.4-34, 8.6-54, 10.11-71 lost Redan – 3.2-20, 6.5-41, 10.8-68, 12.13-85

Darley (Best) – D. Leonard, M. Brett, B. Young, B. Bewley, A. Tanner, M. Gardiner.

Darley (Goals) – N. Rodda 3, M. Gardiner 2, B. Bewley, J. Cadman 1, B. Young, T. Angwin